Check out the Mistletoe Walk

While temperatures are expected to remain above normal on Sunday, shoppers in downtown Freeport may have to visualize snowflakes in their minds as they stroll past participating businesses during the annual Mistletoe Walk.

While temperatures are expected to remain above normal on Sunday, shoppers in downtown Freeport may have to visualize snowflakes in their minds as they stroll past participating businesses during the annual Mistletoe Walk.

This annual festive event is sponsored by the Freeport Downtown Development Foundation (FDDF) to kick off the Christmas season. It will include vocal and instrumental musicians, horse drawn carriage rides and unadvertised specials by participating stores. It will all take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The theme for this year is “An American Christmas.” There will also be a vendor/craft show at the F.A. Read Center, with proceeds going to Freeport Area Church Cooperative and The Salvation Army Toy Drive. People can also buy raffle tickets to win many prizes. People are asked to bring a toy for the toy drive and a non-perishable food item for FACC.

Marg Blum, from the FDDF promotions committee, said this annual walk is a way to showcase downtown Freeport. Blum said, “We have a historic downtown district and we are also the largest shopping district in Stephenson County.”

Blum said the highlight of the afternoon will be musical appearances by Aquin High School, Blackhawk, Taylor Park, Jones-Farrar Magnet and Center School choirs.

Santa will make his first visit of the season and will arrive at Freeport Public Library at 1 p.m. Sunday. There will also be children’s activities at the library. There will also be a Gingerbread House competition at the library. People will be able to vote for their favorite house during the walk.

Many of the downtown businesses have also decorated their store fronts. There will also be refreshments along the way. There is a contest for business windows and Christmas trees. Businesses will receive ribbons to indicate contest placement.

FDDF provides the downtown decorations and works with the city of Freeport for improvements. Blum said she hopes people will kick off their holiday shopping to experience the flavor of the holiday season by attending this annual event.

FHN’s Festival of Trees

FHN kicks off their annual festivities today with the Holiday Movie series, which is hosted by FHN and Classic Cinemas Lindo Theatre. Movies begin at 10 a.m. Movies will be shown each Saturday through Dec. 15. Admission is $3.50 and all children will receive a holiday gift.

This year’s movies are:

Today — “Wreck-It Ralph”

Nov. 24 — “The Grinch (free)

Dec. 1 — “Rise of the Guardians”

Dec. 8 — “Dino Time”

Dec. 15 — “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”

Holiday Tree Lighting

The public is invited to gather in front of FHN Memorial Hospital for the community holiday tree lighting after the Mistletoe Walk on Sunday. Starting around 5 p.m., there will be cookies and cocoa and some special visitors — including Santa.

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FHN will also host the FHN CasiNO TO CANCER Holiday gala on Nov. 30. This holiday gala will feature casino-style games, food, music, entertainment, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets for this event are $50. The event will take place at Masonic Temple. Proceeds benefit FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center. Purchase tickets for this event online at www.fhn.org or call (877) 600-0346, ext. 901.

The Community of Trees begins on Dec. 2 at Freeport Public Library. This popular event features trees decorated by local non-profits and groups, who compete for cash prizes.

The annual Singin’ For the King will take place at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the King Community Campus and Luminary Night will be on Dec. 23. This will take place on Stephenson and Lincoln Streets in Freeport.